The fall weather was warm enough for us to enjoy an outdoor art talk with Karen Scarlett during the coffee gathering at Kaffistofa on October 5th, 2024.
Karen is part way through her Artist Residency stay at the Buttermaker’s House and wanted to share some of her process and progress on the four art pieces she is working on that are tied to her stay in Markerville.
Karen touched on her early years growing up on the family farm near Innisfail, and of the artistic influence she received from her Mom, Dad, and Grandma Scarlett. Creativity is a lifelong adventure for her, and has always been a vital part of life.
After the morning coffee goodies were passed around by d’Arcy Gamble, Karen showed us various artwork she’s currently painting, as well as described her plans for works based on the Church and the Ice House (with ideas percolating for two more, one of which could be the Buttermaker’s House).
Karen finished her talk with a short demonstration of watercolour painting for some eager spectators, both adults and kids!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, and the way Karen was able to discuss the process and concepts to be easily understood by the layman.
You can find out more about Karen’s artwork on her website: karenscarlett.com
Excerpt from Karen’s Proposal: “My practice centers around the prairie and the magic it provides. With a focus on vivid landscapes and structures that reflect the cultural essence of a place. I plan to use painting and drawing as a primary medium to capture the unique features of Markerville’s local spaces, such as the Creamery, the Fensala Hall, the Ice House, the bridge and river too. These structures/spaces not only serve as representations of Icelandic settlement but are also symbols of resilience, community, and the pioneering spirit of the Icelandic immigrants who helped build them. My hope is the pieces I create during my stay reflect these characteristics.”
Scarlett is a multidisciplinary artist. Besides fine art, Karen also instructs, consults and creates murals including leading community groups to create a vision for their unique space.
Karen lives in Innisfail, Alberta. You can find her work in private, corporate and public art collections around the world.
Buttermaker’s House Artist Residency is supported by Red Deer County and Alberta Foundation for the Arts. An award is available to qualified applicants, sponsored by INLNA (Icelandic National League of North America).